Meet the Change Agencies: Q&A with Tammy Belton-Davis of Athena Communications

Note: The following Q&A was originally posted on the RENEWPR News page on May 29, 2025 by The Change Agencies Co-Founder Ben Finzel of RENEWPR. We're cross-posting it here to provide insight into one of the members of The Change Agencies, Tammy Belton-Davis of Athena Communications.

Writing about, talking about or posting about The Change Agencies and the fantastic members who belong to this national network of inclusive public relations, communications and marketing firms is always a joy for me. From our founding in 2019 (when LaTricia Woods of Mahogany Xan Communications and I developed this idea) to today, The Change Agencies has been a vehicle for change that has fostered deep, meaningful connections among an amazing group of communications professionals.

One of those amazing communications professionals is my friend Tammy Belton-Davis, founder and president of Athena Communications in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I first met Tammy through the PRSA Counselors Academy, the public relations industry’s professional society. Tammy made an instant impression on me of being both an incredible business owner, but also a kind and compassionate and focused leader. As I have worked with Tammy, first in The Change Agencies and then as a fellow member of the PRSA Counselors Academy Executive Committee, I have witnessed repeatedly how accurate that first impression of her was.

Tammy launched Athena Communications in 2009, and in that time, she has built the agency into one of the go-to firms not just in Milwaukee, but across the state and region. Athena Communications is a full-service brand management firm that specializes in public relations and government affairs. And their work is prioritized with clients “who inspire us with their leadership, vision, skill and intention to transform our world.” That may sound lofty, but Tammy and her team live it day and day out.

While running her firm, Tammy concurrently served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer for the Milwaukee Repertory Theater from July 2020 through February 2022. During this period, she worked with the Milwaukee Rep’s board of directors and executives to “develop, implement and measure equity, diversity and inclusion goals” and was an internal coach to staff on those issues as well. Immediately following that role, Tammy served as a co-chair of Milwaukee Rep’s $78 million Powering Milwaukee Campaign to complete the new state-of-the-art Associated Bank Theater Center. The Powering Milwaukee Capital Campaign ensures the transformational effects of the performing arts remain in Milwaukee for generations to come. And yes, she did that while running her agency as well. Tammy is also an adjunct professor at Marquette University where she teaches a corporate writing course in the Diederich College of Communications.

Tammy has won numerous awards and accolades including recognition as a 2017 “Center of Change” for her commitment to work as a change agent in the community and the firm was recognized with a Diversity in Business award and a 2021 Woman of Influence award by the Milwaukee Business Journal among many other honors. I consider myself lucky to call Tammy a colleague and fortunate to also call her a friend. I’m thrilled to be able to spotlight Tammy as part of our ongoing series of TCA Q&As featuring each of our fantastic members. My thanks to Tammy for her sharing her wisdom with us – and you.

Q: Why is a network like The Change Agencies needed? What role do you see it filling in the marketplace and why should clients hire one or more of The Change Agencies to help them change the way they communicate across cultures?

A: A network like The Change Agencies is essential because too often, organizations attempt to communicate across cultures without first understanding the lived experiences and systemic barriers facing the communities they want to reach. We live in a time where this doesn’t cut it, people are demanding more than surface-level statements and want to know that organizations truly see them, hear them, and are willing to do the work.

The Change Agencies’ network of trusted professionals represent diverse backgrounds, experiences, and lived experiences and bring not only their expertise in strategy and messaging, but also their deep, authentic understanding of equity. That’s the space Athena occupies, too. Clients hire us not just because we know how to craft powerful campaigns, but because we do so through a lens of transformation.

Q: Why are you passionate about inclusive communication? What excites you the most about this work?

A: My passion for inclusive communication is rooted in my belief that equity must be at the heart of every message, policy, and decision. I’ve spent my career working to ensure that the voices of underservered communities are heard, valued, and empowered. This starts with recognizing that all people do not start from the same place and we must acknowledge and make the appropriate adjustments to those imbalances.

What excites me most is witnessing the shift that happens when organizations and corporations stop talking about communities and start working with them. It’s in those moments that we begin to see not just better communication, but real progress toward equity.

Q: How has your career experience helped you in leading inclusive communications and marketing initiatives with clients? What lessons have you learned that have applied to your work?

A: As the founder of Athena Communications, I’ve had the privilege of working with leaders and institutions at critical inflection points, when they’re ready to confront uncomfortable truths and move toward meaningful change. My background in government, public affairs, and strategic communications has taught me that inclusive communication starts with humility and listening, especially to the community you serve. It is an act of service. One key lesson I carry is this: transformational change doesn’t happen without discomfort. But on the other side of that discomfort is connection, understanding, and impact. That’s where I guide my clients to go.

Q: What’s the best “common sense” advice about communications you’ve received?

A: “Lead with purpose and people will follow.” It reminds me that communication isn’t just about words, it’s about the values behind those words. When your message aligns with your mission, it resonates more deeply and inspires others to act.

The best advice I’ve received is simple: “everyone has a story to tell…” That reminder has stuck with me because it shifts the focus from pushing out messages to creating space for others. In communications, it’s easy to lead with what you want to say, but the real impact comes when you recognize the power of someone else's voice. When you center people’s lived experiences and when you honor their stories, you build trust. And trust is where meaningful communication begins.

Q: What’s the best “common sense” advice about communications you've given to others?

A: “Don’t confuse presence with power, use your presence to build…. or in other words, Show up and Show out!” I often share this with clients and emerging leaders because in the communications world, it’s not enough to show up, you have to show up with intention. When you’re clear about who you are and who you serve, your voice becomes the catalyst for change.